…As Okorocha Threatens Anarchy Over Arrest Order

…As Okorocha Threatens Anarchy Over Arrest Order

Former governor of Imo State, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, has described the state government’s arrest order against him as an open invitation to anarchy in Imo.
Okorocha said this in a press statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, and made available to the newsmen in Owerri last Friday.
Okorocha was reacting to Thursday’s order by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Mr Uche Onyeaguocha, for his arrest over an alleged assault of a government official at his residence.
The Chairman of the Committee on Recovery of Government Property, Mr Jasper Ndubuaku, was reportedly attacked by men said to be Okorocha’s thugs.
Reacting to the incident, which trended online last Thursday, the SSG told journalists that the former governor had been listed under state government’s security watch and placed on citizen’s arrest.
But Okorocha in the release stated that the order would only cause disaffection in Imo, pointing out that residents would always defend him any time he came under the attack of his successor, Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
He stated that the only reason given by the SSG for the order was that Imo people sympathetic to him prevented the recovery team from looting his private residence.
“The arrest order only added to their disrespect for me as the past governor and this is a very bad precedence which Ihedioha’s government is creating.
“I was in Abuja when the recovery team slapped my daughter, Uloma Nwosu, and I was also in Abuja yesterday (Thursday) when the team invaded my private residence,” he said.
Okorocha said that Imo government had petitioned the Economic Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission against him, but wondered why it could not allow the antigraft agencies to do their job.
He stated that the SSG had no right to issue such order against a former governor.
He said that the order would not deter him from coming to Imo anytime he deemed fit, given the huge investment he made in the state.

Ambassador Desmond Akawor Inaugurated As New Rivers State PDP Chairman

The new Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Executive Council has been inaugurated in Port Harcourt.

Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Ikuinyi Ibani administered the oath of office on the new executives led by Ambassador Desmond Akawor.

In a charge, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike called on the new executives to work towards consolidating the gains of the immediate past Executive led by Bro Felix Obuah.

He commended immediate past Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah for leading to victory .

He said: “We had challenges at the beginning, but that Executive was committed to service. Obuah has shown capacity to deliver. It will not be easy for the new executives, but the new executives must start to prepare the party for the challenges ahead.

“Work hard to surpass the records of the past executives. Working together is key, unity is key.”

Speaking further, Governor Wike said that the Rivers State Government will never condone criminality or any attempt to violate the law.

He said: “But for the steps that , the number of cases would have been more. What makes a leader is the ability to be firm. I value life more than property.

“Since 2015, we have not demolished any property. But, someone who was SSG superintended over the demolition of several properties. Now the person is talking about the draconian process.

“My joy is that majority of Rivers people love what we are doing.”

Governor Wike added that from Information from the State Health Commissioner, the State is likely to have more cases, mostly oil workers.

National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus congratulated the new Rivers State PDP Executive Committee, advising them to work for the growth of the party.

Commenting on the fight against coronavirus, Uche Secondus blasted the Federal Government for refusing to assist State Governments and provide direction for the country.

He said: “The Governors are working without help from the Federal Government. But for God, the situation would have been worse.

“Governors are running from pillar to post. We must be grateful to Governor Wike for the initiative that he took. What the Governor has done has helped to drastically reduce the number of cases.

“Rivers State is lucky to have Governor Wike at this time of crisis .”

He said those who spread negative propaganda do so out of hatred.

New Rivers State PDP Chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor thanked ththe leadership and members of the party for giving him the opportunity to serve.

He said God has used Governor Wike to rebuild a new Rivers State. He saluted the resilience of PDP in weathering the storm.

Akawor assured that the new Executive will serve the party diligently.

Immediate Past PDP State Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah said that the Executive Committee under his leadership led the party to victory since 2015.

He said that the outgone Executives will continue to work for the party to ensure future victory.

Bode George Urges FG To Relax Lagos Lockdown

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George has urged federal government to relax the lockdown it imposed on Lagos State as a result of COVID- 19 pandemic.
George, who made the call in a statement in Lagos, yesterday said the lockdown imposed since March 29 was adversely affecting livelihoods and bringing up security challenges.
He said though government intended to curb the spread of the virus with the lockdown, the directive had left many Nigerians hungry at home without palliatives.
The PDP chieftain noted that there must be a balance between curbing the spread of the virus and protecting livelihoods and asked the government to relax the lockdown while putting safety measures in place.
“Everywhere in Lagos is now locked down. The markets, banking halls, the local grocery shops, the supermarkets, the transportation services are all halted, frozen by the federal government directives since March 29.
“On the surface level, the federal government’s position is to ensure safety, prevent communal spread of the virus and banish this scourge from our shores.
“Lagosians have been staying at home for about a month now. In a largely informal economy where most of our people depend on daily wages, the burden of lack of income is devastating.
“There is a natural growing anger in Lagos as the most vulnerable are ravaged with hunger,” George said.